Traversing Traditions: Prenatal Care and Birthing Practice Preferences Among Black Women in North Florida

• Authors: Megan E Deichen Hansen, Florida State University; Brittany A James, Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute; Inam Sakinah, Emory University; Joedrecka S Brown Speights, Florida State University; George Rust, Florida State University
• Journal Title: ETHNICITY & DISEASE
• Volume: Volume 31, Number 2
• Publisher: International Society on Hypertension in Blacks | 2021-04-15, Pages 227-234
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.18865/ed.31.2.227
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Childbirth; Pregnancy Outcomes; Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities; Infant Mortality; Health Equity

Abstract

Objective Our goal was to explore prenatal practices and birthing experiences among Black women living in an urban North Florida community. Design Non-random qualitative study. Setting Private spaces at a convenient location selected by the participant. Participants Eleven Black women, aged 25-36 years, who were either pregnant or had given birth at least once in the past five years in North Florida. Methods Semi-structured interviews were completed in July 2017, followed by thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Results Four main themes emerged: a) decision-making strategies for employing alternative childbirth preparation (ie, midwives, birthing centers, and doulas); b) having access to formal community resources to support their desired approaches to perinatal care; c) seeking advice from women with similar perspectives on birthing and parenting; and d) being confident in one’s decisions. Despite seeking to incorporate “alternative” methods into their birthing plans, the majority of our participants ultimately delivered in-hospital. Conclusions Preliminary results suggest that culturally relevant and patient-centered decision-making might enhance Black women’s perinatal experience although further research is needed to see if these findings are generalizable to a heterogenous US Black population. Implications for childbirth educators and health care professionals include: 1) recognizing the importance of racially and professionally diverse staffing in obstetric care practices; 2) empowering patients to communicate and achieve their childbirth desires; 3) ensuring an environment that is not only free of discrimination and disrespect, but that embodies respect (as perceived by patients of varied racial backgrounds) and cultural competence; and, 4) providing access to education and care outside of traditional work hours.